Tooth Replacement
Injury, disease, congenital defects, joint and sleep disorders, neglect, and years of day-to-day wear can all cause significant damage and require the complete or partial removal of our teeth. Prosthodontics is a subspecialty of dentistry that focuses on the restoration and replacement of missing or damaged teeth and other oral tissues to maintain health, function and aesthetics. Stained, chipped, worn, broken or missing teeth can be restored to their natural appearance so you can continue to enjoy a beautiful smile. The healthiest thing to do when you lose a tooth is have it replaced. Otherwise, you risk problems with biting, chewing and speaking, headaches, muscle pain and an unattractive appearance. Types of replacement include crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays, dental implants, and removable complete and partial dentures.
Crowns & Bridges
Bridges are natural-looking tooth replacements which help maintain facial structure, reduce stress on the jaw and fill in the gaps caused by missing teeth. Fixed bridges are cemented to the existing teeth and do not come out. Removable bridges can be taken out and cleaned at home.
Crowns are used to strengthen and improve the shape, size or color of teeth. They can support broken or weak teeth or those with large fillings; provide a smooth, strong, attractively contoured surface for stained, misshapen or otherwise abnormal teeth; and aid in the implantation of bridges and other implants.
Dentures
Patients who have lost their natural teeth due to decay, periodontal disease or injury can suffer from related problems including further decay, difficulty eating and speaking, and drooping of facial muscles. Full and partial dentures replace the missing teeth both aesthetically and functionally, providing support and restoring the smile. Full (complete) dentures are used when all of the natural teeth have been lost, while partial dentures fill in the gaps between natural teeth. The gums, dentures and any remaining natural teeth will need to be cleaned regularly to prevent staining, sores and plaque build-up.
Dental Implants
Dental implants serve as the base for many tooth-replacement options, including bridges, dentures and individual artificial teeth. Implants are surgically implanted in the jaw to provide a comfortable, secure fit and a natural look. Click here for more information about dental implants.
